Advertising

The work of people who have earned advertising degrees from online schools or accredited colleges and universities is everywhere. It can be seen on television, heard on the radio, observed in newspapers, and even witnessed alongside highways. Regardless of the innovative or progressive nature of the product, it is useless unless it can reach the eyes and ears of the consumer, and that’s exactly what advertising programs train individuals to do.

Students who pursue an education at one of the many two or four year advertising colleges in the U.S. or abroad, will be entering a rewarding career field. According to the 2010-11 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, nonsupervisory workers in the advertising and public relations field, earn on average 25% more than those working in similar positions in other industries. Furthermore, management positions in the advertising, marketing, promotions and PR fields typically net a median annual salary of between $80,000 and over $100,000 (depending upon job title and sector of employment).
Advertising Degree Description

Advertising degrees are designed specially to help aspiring professionals gain a foothold in this immensely competitive industry. According to the BLS, a good percentage of entry-level positions in the advertising or public relations field require a two-year diploma obtained through one of the accredited online schools, traditional universities, or specialty advertising colleges which offer such coursework. However, the BLS recommends at least a bachelor’s degree for those interested in career advancement. Master’s and doctorate level degrees are also available.

Typical advertising programs cover an array of subjects. Naturally, there will be a great deal of artistic and creative style coursework, such as drawing, art direction, and campaign design. Likewise, advertising theory and techniques will be heavily focused upon, with courses including marketing strategy, research, and media planning. Advertising degrees also focus on other important non-artistic aspects of the PR industry, including accounting, copywriting, and business management–useful for those planning an ascent to the managerial level in marketing.

Also, advertising colleges often require students to participate in an internship, working on actual promotional projects either within the school structure or with an external employer. This gives the individual students hands-on experience and helps them build their resumes while allowing them to learn directly from experts in the industry. This is a valuable part of most advertising programs.
Advertising Careers

There are many different career paths open to those who earn advertising degrees. BLS statistics indicate that roughly two-thirds of those employed in the advertising or marketing industry work in managerial, financial, or sales related fields. Likewise, administrative or secretarial jobs are also heavily populated, leaving little room for graduates of advertising colleges to get involved with the more creative aspects of the promotional industry.

Advertising managers are required to oversee the day-to-day operations of the creative staff. Individuals who enter these jobs after completing advertising programs also need to follow and analyze trends within the industry, work to make sure their firm’s output is meeting consumer needs, handle financial matters such as invoicing and possibly payroll, and complete various business reports. Other important roles in this industry, all of which can be prepared for by attending advertising colleges, include art director, brand specialist, copywriter, creative director, graphic designer, and market research analyst.